How to Support Newly Arrived Immigrants in Massachusetts

Background

Massachusetts has welcomed thousands of new arrivals to the state in the past couple of years. More than 3,500 newly arrived immigrant families are currently residing in emergency assistance (EA) shelters, and that number grows daily. Systems that support newly arrived immigrants are working hard to meet the need, with staff and resources stretched beyond capacity. 

How you can help

Though such a situation demands urgent attention and creative, coordinated solutions involving state and federal government and community-based organizations, private individuals can also help to ensure that all immigrants are welcomed with dignity.

Here are a few resources and actions you can take to support new arrivals below.

IMMEDIATE RESOURCES FOR NEW ARRIVALS IN MASSACHUSETTS

** Find an Emergency Assistance Shelter: (866) 584-0653 **

  • Family Welcome Center – Brazilian Workers Center Inc.
    • Hours: Monday – Friday from 10am – 4pm ET
    • Address: 14 Harvard Ave, #2, Allston, MA 02134
    • Phone: (617) 783-8001
  • Family Resource Center – Bay State Community Services
    • Hours: Monday – Friday from 9am – 5pm ET
    • Address: 1120 Hancock Street, 1st Floor, Quincy, MA 02169
    • Phone: (617) 481 7227     
  • For Food, Nutrition, and Medical Resources, view our Factsheet here

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES FOR NEW ARRIVALS

DONATE: Make a purchase or organize a gift drive to purchase and donate items for newly arrived families. Organizations receiving donations include:

      • Brazilian Workers Center manages the Family Welcome Center in Boston and maintains an Amazon Wish List.
      • Immigrant Family Services Institute (IFSI) provides services to new arrivals in their Boston, Brockton, and Worcester offices and accepts donations.
      • La Colaborativa serves arrivals in Chelsea and maintains an Amazon Wish List.
      • The BREHA Collective is collecting supplies for pregnant and birthing migrant families in Taunton. Please donate to their Amazon Registry
      • Central Region Donation Center in Worcester accepts donations of new and like new items on Mondays & Wednesdays 9am-1pm.
      • Jewish Family Services of Western Massachusetts has compiled a Community Asks document

VOLUNTEER:  Volunteer your time and skills with a non-profit organization that works with new arrivals to help with language tutoring, job readiness training, cultural orientation, or transportation, and assisting new arrivals in navigating healthcare systems, enrolling in schools or language programs, finding affordable housing, or connecting them with social services.

      • Join the network of volunteers through the Immigrant Assistance Services program managed through the MIRA Coalition.
      • Connect with your local community-based organizations who are working with new arrivals. 

ADVOCATE: Contact your local state representatives to advocate for additional funding and infrastructure to respond to the needs of new arrivals.

BECOME A HOST: Consider opening up your home and hosting an individual or family in need. Contact the Brazilian Worker Center if interested in hosting.

NEW ARRIVALS SERVICE PROVIDERS SURVEY: The MIRA Coalition is working to create a list of organizations providing services to new arrivals. Please fill out this survey for your organization.